The University of Michigan recently announced that average fuel economy of newly purchased vehicles hit an all time record high, averaging 24.1 miles per gallon during October, 2012.

The new record represents the highest level yet, up 4.0 mpg from October 2007 (the first month of monitoring by U-M). This 20% improvement in fuel economy (mpg) corresponds to a 17% reduction in fuel consumption (gallons per mile).

The University of Michigan Eco-Driving Index (EDI)--an index that estimates the average monthly emissions of greenhouse gases generated by an individual U.S. driver--stood at 0.81 in August, an improvement of 19% since October 2007. The EDI takes into account both vehicle fuel economy and distance driven (the latter relying on data that are published with a two-month lag). Please visit this University of Michigan page for a brief description of what the EDI is, how it is calculated, and the current and recent values of the EDI.

The University notes that all values are now corrected for the changes in the EPA ratings for the Hyundai/Kia vehicles that were issued on November 2.

it's a good start, however, 2007 was the year before the economic disaster started. That begs the question, how much was due to the economy and how much was due to improvements in vehicles' mileage and driver habits?

Higher vehicle MPG, Higher fuel costs, Gasoline infected with Ethanol, Higher vehicle costs, Lighter vehicles using composites and plastics, Vehicle manufacturers lying about their vehicle MPG *making it higher than what it really is, a Bad economy so Not as many people are working so Less jobs and Less driving, Sneeky forcing EV's and Inbreds onto the population - Average fuel economy of purchased cars hits record high?Whatever the size or shape of the vehicle, Produce and ‘Drive’ vehicles with high MPG, are very safe, reliable, have a ‘reasonable’ cost and a good ‘value’ for the money.The price of fuel at the pump is too high!XII/XXII/MMXII!

"bigoilscamsus" conveniently forgets that Big Oil is investigated every other year and found to be following the law.Laws that were passed by the Politicians that were well paid by big oil to pass those laws.So, until we can get rid of those politicians AND change the rules so that politicians work for the people rather than unions, special interests, and corporations there will be no change.

Price fixing is illegal but day in and day out Big Oil sets the price of gasoline right in front of God and man! This must stop by regulating the entire petroleum industry! Congress needs to hear the cry of the people and intervene before our country goes further into recession and then into DEPRESSION!